Children’s books have always been a go-to place for new movie ideas, and yet another children’s classic is going to the big screen.  AWN reports that Walden Media has just acquired the rights to the popular children’s book series THE BERENSTAIN BEARS by Stan and Jan Berenstain.  With the rights in hand, Walden Media, Nelvana, and 21 Laps plan to turn the series into a live action/CG hybrid feature.

“My mother, Jan, and I are more than delighted that three outstanding names in the field of family entertainment, Shawn Levy, Walden Media and Nelvana, have come together to create a Berenstain Bears feature film,” says Mike Berenstain. “We are thrilled that their plans for an innovative and ambitious production will bring our family’s work to a new medium and to new audiences. I know that my father, Stan, who passed away in 2005, would have been tickled pink that his very own bears were going to be ’in the movies!’”

Stan and Jan Berenstain drew their inspiration for THE BERENSTAIN BEARS from themselves and their sons, Mike and Leo.  From there the series grew into over 250 books, 3 TV animated series, and several video games.